The Chicago Bulls are planning on doing everything possible to acquire some of the biggest free agents either by signing or trades this summer. After back-to-back disappointing seasons, they know they need to make a splash in order to get back into Eastern Conference contention. They have one of the best point guards in the league in Derrick Rose, but will his uncertain health impact the offseason for Chicago?
Head coach Tom Thibodeau is stressing that the recent knee injuries on Rose will not impact the free agency run the Bulls have up their sleeves. He notes the team is planning on using the point guard as a recruiting pitch to perspective players and his uncertain health will not impact anyone's decisions.
"In the NBA, injuries are part of it," Thibodeau said, via ESPNChicago.com. 'And most guys go through a period in their own career when they're injured. It's adversity that you have to get past and get over and most of these guys have done that, so I don't think that's going to be a big deal. I think they're going to see Derrick and they're going to know that he is healthy."
Rose is a former MVP of the league, but has undergone major knee surgery on both knees and has only played in 50 games over the past three seasons. Prior to getting injured he was considered the best point guard in the league, but now no one is truly sure what to think of Rose since he has not played in so long. Thibodeau has said previously that Rose will be healthy come the start of the season and plans to play with USA Basketball over the summer, but until other players she where his health is, will they be hesitant to sign on?
"I think it depends on each individual and what they're looking for," general manager Gar Forman said. "But I know the guys that are serious about wanting to compete at a high level, I would hope would take a hard look at our situation because of the type of players we have. Not only how talented they are, but how they approach it each and every day. And playing for a coach like Tom and a staff like he has, that's serious and determined to become champions."
Chicago is hoping to be players for the Carmelo Anthony, LeBron James teamup. They have also put down an offer in the Kevin Love trade sweepstakes that includes Taj Gibson and Jimmy Butler. Thibodeau is confident that the Bulls sell themselves in free agency no matter what is happening with Rose. However, having a healthy point guard is crucial for success.